What Is Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP)?

Intensive Short-term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) is an accelerated form of psycho-dynamic therapy that focuses on emotions and resolving internal conflict. It retains the traditional psycho-dynamic ability to address deeper issues, trauma, and personality problems. It can create long-lasting symptom relief, and is distinguished by its more active and focused approach. It has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of problems, ranging from the more common anxiety and depression, to more severe presentations such as personality disorders, medically unexplained physical symptoms, and severe mental illnesses.

We aim to help each individual reach a positive position of engaging in life, work, and relationships fully and positively, rather than just removing negative symptoms. Improvements in well-being and functioning generally continue beyond the end of the therapy. It was developed by Dr Habib Davanloo, a psychiatrist from Montreal who grew frustrated with the length and unreliability of traditional psychoanalysis, and is continually refined through empirical, video-recorded research.

Further, it is consistent with the latest neuroscientific evidence on how the adult brain changes, and we tailor the treatment to the individual and their specific needs and strengths. 

This post is written and adapted by one of the Clinical Psychologists at Inner Eastern Psychology, Albert Foong, who are trained in ISTDP.

If you would like to find out more about ISTDP, you can have a look at this article.